Cleansing Compositions and Use Thereof

ABSTRACT

A cleansing composition comprising an aqueous solution of an anionic polymer, a nonionic polymer and a system of surfactants. Solutions as described herein comprise two distinct aqueous phases having different compositions and density. Further methods of use are also disclosed.

BACKGROUND

Cleansing compositions are generally delivered in single phasecompositions or in the form of an oil dispersed throughout an aqueousmedium. However, there are significant advantages to having two or morephases present in a single container during non-use. These phases can beappealing to the eye depending upon various agents; particularlycoloring agents dispersed therein or particles present at the interfaceof the phases. A small amount of shaking by the user prior to end usecan create mixing of the phases and at times a bubbly-type appearance.There are also other benefits also associated with multi-phasecompositions. For example, these compositions present an ability tosimultaneously display multiple benefits, and can be advertised asserving several purposes at once. They can also drive a desired consumerappeal and formulate with reactive and/or previously thoughtincompatible ingredients.

Foam persistence in the presence of increasing amounts of removed soilsthroughout the washing session is arguably the most important cleaningefficacy signal relied on by consumers. The hand dishwashing detergentindustry uses the laboratory Miniplate Test as the key laboratoryappraisal method for assessing this most important performance criterionand to quantify the performance quality of liquid hand dishwashingdetergent formulations.

Thus, there is a need for a cleansing composition comprising distinctaqueous phases capable of robust cleaning, prolonged stability, andhaving improved foaming conditions.

BRIEF SUMMARY

Provided herein are cleansing compositions comprising distinct aqueousphases capable of robust cleaning, prolonged stability, and havingimproved foaming conditions.

In certain embodiments, the formulations can form an unusual, aqueousbiphasic system, where a hygroscopic anionic polymer is concentrated inone phase, and a nonionic polymer is concentrated in another phase.These formulations differ from conventional biphasic formulations inthat both phases are aqueous, rather than one phase being hydrophobicand the other hydrophilic. They also differ from structured compositionssuch as gels insofar as they separate into phases having differentcompositions and densities, e.g., an upper phase and a lower phase,which can be readily mixed by shaking and which will then re-separateover a short period.

The disclosure thus provides, in one embodiment, a cleansing compositioncomprising:

-   -   a. an acidic polymer, for example a polymer selected from one or        more of (a) acrylate homopolymers or co-polymers of a        combination of acrylic acid derivatives (e.g., acrylic acid,        methacrylic acid, ethyl acrylate, methyl methacrylate,        chloroethyl vinyl ether, butyl acrylate, 2-ethylhexyl acrylate,        and salts and esters thereof), and (b) synthetic anionic linear        polycarboxylates, such as 1:4 to 4:1 copolymers of maleic        anhydride or acid with another polymerizable ethylenically        unsaturated monomer, e.g., co-polymers of methyl vinyl        ether/maleic anhydride, wherein some or all of the anhydride        moieties are hydrolyzed to provide free carboxyl groups;    -   b. a nonionic polymer; for example selected from one or more        poly(alkylene oxide) polymers, e.g., selected from polyethylene        glycols, polypropylene glycols, poloxamers and mixtures thereof;        e.g., wherein the orally acceptable nonionic polymer has a        molecular weight of at least 3000D, e.g., 6 kD to 250 kD, e.g.,        8 kD;    -   c. a phase-stabilizing amount of surfactants comprising a        combination of at least one anionic surfactant and at least one        nonionic surfactant, wherein the anionic surfactant comprises a        hydrophobic group that is a C₈-C₂₂ alkyl or acyl and a        water-solubilizing group selected from sulfonate, sulfate, and        carboxylate (e.g., alkyl sulfates, e.g., sodium laurel ether        sulfate (SLES), sodium lauryl sulfate, and ammonium lauryl        sulfate), and wherein the nonionic surfactant comprises one or        more aliphatic compounds (e.g., amine oxides, e.g.        laurylamidopropyl dimethylamine oxide, myristylamidopropyl        dimethylamine oxide, and mixtures thereof), wherein the solution        comprises two distinct aqueous phases having different        composition and density, the two distinct phases comprising        substantially all of one of the anionic polymer or the nonionic        polymer.

The disclosure further provides methods of using such compositions, forexample, cleaning hard surfaces or cleaning skin.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Unless otherwise specified, all percentages and amounts expressed hereinand elsewhere in the specification should be understood to refer topercentages by weight. Also, the term “about,” when used in reference toa range of values, should be understood to refer to either value in therange, or to both values in the range. As used throughout, ranges areused as shorthand for describing each and every value that is within therange. Any value within the range can be selected as the terminus of therange.

Unless otherwise specified, all percentages and amounts expressed hereinand elsewhere in the specification should be understood to refer topercentages by weight. The amounts given are based on the active weightof the material.

The present disclosure provides personal care compositions comprising apolyacrylate polymer added to a cationic and nonionic surfactant systemhaving a low pH. In various embodiments, the polyacrylate polymercomprises polyacrylate-1 crosspolymer. The inventors have surprisinglyfound that in concentrations between about 1 wt % and about 7 wt %,polyacrylate-1 crosspolymer unexpectedly increases the foam profile of acationic and nonionic surfactant system and provides the system with theability to suspend particles for prolonged periods of time.

In one exemplary embodiment, A cleansing composition comprising anaqueous solution of:

an acidic polymer;

a nonionic polymer; and

a phase-stabilizing amount of surfactants comprising a combination of atleast one anionic surfactant and at least one nonionic surfactant,

wherein the solution comprises two distinct aqueous phases havingdifferent composition and density, the two distinct phases comprisingsubstantially all of one of the anionic polymer or the nonionic polymer.

The present disclosure provides additional exemplary embodiments,including:

-   1.1 Composition 1, wherein the anionic surfactant comprises a    hydrophobic group that is a C8-C22 alkyl or acyl and a    water-solubilizing group selected from sulfonate, sulfate, and    carboxylate-   1.2 Composition 1 or 1.1, wherein the anionic surfactant is an alkyl    sulfate or an alkyl sulfonate.-   1.3 Any of the preceding compositions, wherein the anionic    surfactant is sodium laurel ether sulfate, sodium lauryl sulfate,    ammonium lauryl sulfate, a sodium alkyl benzene sulfonate, or    magnesium alkyl benzene sulfonate.-   1.4 Any of the preceding compositions, wherein the anionic    surfactant is sodium lauryl ether sulfate.-   1.5 Any of the preceding compositions, wherein the anionic    surfactant is present in an amount of about 5-25 wt. %, about 8-20    wt. %, about 10-18 wt. %, or about 12-16 wt. %.-   1.6 Any of the preceding compositions, wherein the nonionic    surfactant comprises a C₈-C₂₂ tertiary amine oxide, a fatty acid    amide or an alkyl polyglucoside.-   1.7 Any of the preceding compositions, wherein the nonionic    surfactant comprises at least one of laurylamidopropyl amine oxide,    myristylamidopropyl amine oxide, cocomonoethanolamide, or    combinations thereof.-   1.8 Any of the preceding compositions, wherein the nonionic    surfactant comprises at least one of laurylamidopropyl amine oxide    and myristylamidopropyl amine oxide.-   1.9 Any of the preceding compositions, wherein the nonionic    surfactant comprises a combination of laurylamidopropyl amine oxide,    myristylamidopropyl amine oxide.-   1.10 Any of the preceding compositions, wherein the nonionic    surfactant is present in an amount of about 0.1-15 wt. %, 5-12 wt.    %, or 6-9 wt. %.-   1.11 Any of the preceding compositions, wherein the ratio of anionic    surfactant to nonionic surfactant is about 1:4 to about 4:1, 1:3 to    about 3:1, about 2:1 to about 1:2, about 1:1 to about 4:1, about 1:1    to about 1:3.5, about 1:1 to about 2.3:1, about 1.2:1 to about    2.0:1, about 1.4:1 to about 1.9:1, or about 1.5:1 to about 1.7:1.-   1.12 Any of the preceding compositions, wherein the ratio of anionic    surfactant to nonionic surfactant is about 1:1, about 1.1:1, about    1.2:1, about 1.3:1, about 1.4:1, about 1.5:1, about 1.6:1, about    1.7:1, about 1.8:1, about 1.9:1, about 2:1, or about 1.65:1.-   1.13 Any of the preceding compositions, wherein the acidic polymer    is selected from a polyacrylate made of homopolymers or co-polymers    of a combination of acrylic acid derivatives (e.g., acrylic acid,    methacrylic acid, ethyl acrylate, methyl methacrylate, chloroethyl    vinyl ether, butyl acrylate, 2-ethylhexyl acrylate, and salts and    esters thereof) or a synthetic anionic linear polycarboxylate.-   1.14 Any of the preceding compositions, wherein the acidic polymer    is a polyacrylate made of homopolymers or co-polymers of a    combination of acrylic acid derivatives (e.g., acrylic acid,    methacrylic acid, ethyl acrylate, methyl methacrylate, chloroethyl    vinyl ether, butyl acrylate, 2-ethylhexyl acrylate, and salts and    esters thereof).-   1.15 Any of the preceding compositions, wherein the acidic polymer    is a crosslinked polyacrylic acid.-   1.16 Any of the preceding compositions, wherein the acidic polymer    is a homopolymer of polyacrylic acid.-   1.17 Any of the preceding compositions wherein the acidic polymer is    selected from 1:4 to 4:1 copolymers of maleic anhydride or acid with    another polymerizable ethylenically unsaturated monomer, e.g.,    co-polymers of methyl vinyl ether/maleic anhydride, wherein some or    all of the anhydride moieties are hydrolyzed to provide free    carboxyl groups.-   1.18 Any of the preceding compositions wherein the acidic polymer    comprises 0.01 to 30 weight % synthetic anionic linear    polycarboxylate, e.g., 0.1 to 30 weight % synthetic anionic linear    polycarboxylate, e.g., 1 to 30 weight % synthetic anionic linear    polycarboxylate, e.g., 5 to 30 weight % synthetic anionic linear    polycarboxylate, e.g., 10 to 30 weight % synthetic anionic linear    polycarboxylate, e.g., 10 to 20 weight % synthetic anionic linear    polycarboxylate, e.g., 15 weight % synthetic anionic linear    polycarboxylate, e.g., 17 weight % synthetic anionic linear    polycarboxylate.-   1.19 Any of the preceding compositions wherein the acidic polymer    comprises a copolymer of maleic anhydride and methyl vinyl ether.-   1.20 Any of the preceding compositions wherein the acidic polymer    comprises a 1:4 to 4:1 copolymer of methyl vinyl ether/maleic    anhydride (optionally fully or partially hydrolyzed following    co-polymerization to provide the corresponding acid).-   1.21 Any of the preceding compositions wherein the acidic polymer    comprises a 1:4 to 4:1 copolymer of methyl vinyl ether/maleic    anhydride (optionally fully or partially hydrolyzed following    co-polymerization to provide the corresponding acid) having a    molecular weight (M.W.) of about 30,000 to about 1,000,000, e.g.    about 300,000 to about 800,000.-   1.22 Any of the preceding compositions, wherein the acidic polymer    is present in an amount of about 5-25 wt. %, about 8-22 wt. %, about    10-20 wt. %, about 13-18 wt. %, about 15-17 wt. %, or about 16 wt.    %.-   1.23 Any of the preceding compositions wherein the nonionic polymer    is selected from one or more poly(alkylene oxide) polymers.-   1.24 Any of the preceding compositions wherein the nonionic polymer    is selected from polyethylene glycols, polypropylene glycols,    poloxamers, co-polymers of polyethylene glycol and polypropylene    glycol, and mixtures thereof.-   1.25 Any of the preceding compositions wherein the nonionic polymer    has a molecular weight of at least 3000D, e.g., 6 kD to 250 kD.-   1.26 Any of the preceding compositions wherein the nonionic polymer    comprises polyethylene glycol of MW 5 kDa-35 kDa, in an amount of 1%    to 10%.-   1.27 Any of the preceding compositions wherein the nonionic polymer    is 1-10% polyethylene glycol having a molecular weight of 5 kD to 10    kD (e.g., 8 kD).-   1.28 Any of the preceding compositions, wherein the nonionic polymer    is present in an amount of about 0.1-10 wt. %, 2-8 wt. %, 4-6 wt. %,    or about 5 wt. %.-   1.29 Any of the preceding compositions wherein the ratio of acidic    polymer to nonionic polymer is about 1:1 to about 5:1, about 3:1 to    about 4:1, or about 16:5.-   1.30 Any of the preceding compositions wherein the composition    further comprises a cationic active agent, e.g., a cationic    antimicrobial agent.-   1.31 Any of the preceding compositions wherein the composition    further comprises a cationic active agent, which is an antimicrobial    agent, in an antimicrobially effective concentration.-   1.32 Any of the preceding compositions wherein the composition    comprises a cationic active agent selected from one or more of    quaternary ammonium surfactants (such as cetyl pyridinium chloride    (CPC), benzalkonium chloride, cetyl trimethylammonium bromide or    chloride, didecyldimethylammonium chloride, benzethonium chloride),    bisguanides (such as chlorhexidine digluconate), cationic amino    acids (such as arginine), metal cations (such as zinc, calcium, or    stannous ions), or combinations thereof, e.g.-   1.33 Any of the preceding compositions wherein the composition is a    personal or home care product, e.g., a skin or hard surface    cleanser, and comprises an effective amount of a cationic active    which is an antimicrobial cationic surfactant, selected from    antimicrobial quaternary ammonium cations (e.g. benzalkonium    chloride, cetyl trimethylammonium bromide or chloride,    didecyldimethylammonium chloride, cetylpyridinium chloride,    benzethonium chloride) and antimicrobial bisguanides (e.g.,    chlorhexidine digluconate), and combinations thereof.-   1.34 Any of the preceding compositions further comprising a    zwitterionic surfactant that is a quaternary ammonium carboxylate    betaine.-   1.35 Any of the preceding compositions further comprising a    zwitterionic surfactant selected from cocoamidopropyl betaine and    laurylamidopropyl betaine.-   1.36 Any of the preceding compositions, wherein composition is in    the form of a liquid hand soap, shampoo, conditioner, liquid face    soap, dish soap, antiperspirant, deodorant, body wash, dermal    lotion, dermal cream, dermal conditioner, or liquid detergent.-   1.37 Any of the preceding compositions, wherein the composition    further comprises one or more ingredients selected from among:    -   (a) Humectants (e.g., glycerin, sorbitol, propylene glycol),    -   (b) Fatty acids (e.g., caproic acid, caprylic acid, capric acid,        lauric acid, myristic acid, palmitic acid, palmitoleic acid,        stearic acid, oleic acid, linolenic acid, linoleic acid,        arachidic acid, arachidonic acid),    -   (c) Fatty alcohols (e.g., cetearyl alcohol, cetyl alcohol,        stearyl alcohol, oleyl alcohol),    -   (d) Esters of fatty acids (e.g., esters of caproic acid,        caprylic acid, capric acid, lauric acid, myristic acid, palmitic        acid, palmitoleic acid, stearic acid, oleic acid, linolenic        acid, linoleic acid, arachidic acid, arachidonic acid, with        alcohols such as glycerol, propylene glycol, sorbitan, isopropyl        alcohol, caproic alcohol, capryl alcohol, capric alcohol, lauryl        alcohol, myristyl alcohol, cetearyl alcohol, cetyl alcohol,        palmoleyl alcohol, stearyl alcohol, oleyl alcohol, linoyl        alcohol, linolenyl alcohol, arachidyl alcohol, arachidonyl        alcohol) such as isopropyl myristate, capryl stearate, isopropyl        olivate, cetearyl olivate, cetearyl oleate, glyceryl caprylate,        glyceryl stearate citrate, and sorbitan olivate), natural and        synthetic triglycerides (e.g., di- or tri-glycerides of fatty        acids, such as glyceryl caprate or caprylic/capric        triglyceride),    -   (e) Waxes (e.g., cetearyl wax, beeswax, carnauba wax, lanolin        wax, candelilla wax, and paraffin wax),    -   (f) Thickeners (e.g., silicas, xanthan gum, guar gum, agar,        alginates, carrageenan, gellan gum, pectins, and modified        cellulose polymers, such as hydroxycellulose, hydroxypropyl        cellulose, hydroxyethyl cellulose, hydroxybutyl cellulose,        hydropropyl methylcellulose, hydroxyethyl propyl cellulose),    -   (g) Emulsifiers (e.g. polyethylene glycol esters, fatty alcohol        polyglycol ethers, fatty acid polyglycol ethers, polyglycerol        fatty acid esters, sorbitol, sorbitan, and mono- and di-fatty        acid esters of sorbitan),    -   (h) Sunscreen actives (e.g., titanium dioxide, zinc oxide, and        UV absorption inhibitors, such as octyl methoxy cinnamate,        benzophenone-3, and methylene bis-benzotriazolyl tetramethyl        butyl phenol),    -   (i) Vitamins (e.g., vitamin A, vitamin E, esters of vitamin A or        vitamin E, such as vitamin E acetate and retinyl palmitate).-   1.38 Any of the preceding compositions, further comprising inorganic    salts, brighteners, perfumes, colorants, sequestering agents,    opacifiers, pearlizers, chelating agents (e.g., EDTA), or any    combination thereof-   1.39 Any of the preceding compositions, wherein the composition is a    cosmetic product, cosmetic-removal product, deodorant or    antiperspirant product, hair care product, shaving product (e.g.,    creams, gels and foams), sun bathing product (e.g., sunscreen    compositions and tanning compositions), insect repellent product,    skin care product or personal cleansing product (e.g., liquid soaps,    foams, gels, and lotions), a liquid hand soap, shower gel, body    wash, bath foam, shampoo, liquid face soap, dish soap, body wash,    dermal cream, or liquid laundry detergent, or liquid detergent for    cleaning hard surfaces.-   1.40 Any of the preceding compositions, wherein the composition is a    cream, lotion or gel for the skin (e.g., face, hands, feet, etc.).-   1.41 Any of the preceding compositions, wherein the composition is a    liquid hand soap, dish soap, liquid laundry detergent, or liquid    detergent for cleaning hard surfaces.-   1.42 Any of the preceding compositions, further comprising natural    biological extracts, such as essential oils or fragrances (e.g.,    Amyris oil, cedarwood oil, cocoa absolute, copaiba balsam, menthe    oil pays, myrrh resin, patchouli oil, vanillin, vetiver oil, Aloe    extract, lemon extract, orange extract, mandarin extract, and oil or    extract of anise, clove, basil, aniseed, cinnamon, geranium, rose,    mint, lavender, thyme, rosemary, citronella, cypress, eucalyptus,    peppermint, and sandalwood).-   1.43 Any of the preceding compositions, comprising:    -   a) an acidic polymer, for example a polymer selected from one or        more of (a) acrylate homopolymers or co-polymers of a        combination of acrylic acid derivatives (e.g., acrylic acid,        methacrylic acid, ethyl acrylate, methyl methacrylate,        chloroethyl vinyl ether, butyl acrylate, 2-ethylhexyl acrylate,        and salts and esters thereof), and (b) synthetic anionic linear        polycarboxylates, such as 1:4 to 4:1 copolymers of maleic        anhydride or acid with another polymerizable ethylenically        unsaturated monomer, e.g., co-polymers of methyl vinyl        ether/maleic anhydride, wherein some or all of the anhydride        moieties are hydrolyzed to provide free carboxyl groups;    -   b) a nonionic polymer; for example selected from one or more        poly(alkylene oxide) polymers, e.g., selected from polyethylene        glycols, polypropylene glycols, poloxamers and mixtures thereof;        e.g., wherein the orally acceptable nonionic polymer has a        molecular weight of at least 3000D, e.g., 6 kD to 250 kD, e.g.,        8 kD;    -   c) a phase-stabilizing amount of surfactants comprising a        combination of at least one anionic surfactant and at least one        nonionic surfactant, wherein the anionic surfactant comprises a        hydrophobic group that is a C₈-C₂₂ alkyl or acyl and a        water-solubilizing group selected from sulfonate, sulfate, and        carboxylate (e.g., alkyl sulfates, e.g., sodium laurel ether        sulfate (SLES), sodium lauryl sulfate, and ammonium lauryl        sulfate), and wherein the nonionic surfactant comprises one or        more aliphatic compounds (e.g., amine oxides, e.g.        laurylamidopropyl dimethylamine oxide, myristylamidopropyl        dimethylamine oxide, and mixtures thereof),-   wherein the solution comprises two distinct aqueous phases having    different composition and density, the two distinct phases    comprising substantially all of one of the anionic polymer or the    nonionic polymer.-   1.44 Any of the preceding compositions, further comprising water,    e.g., from 5-90% water by weight of the composition, for example,    10%-80%, 15%-80%, 20%-80%, 25%-80%, 25%-75%, 30%-75%, 30%-80%,    40%-80%, 40%-70%, 50%-75%, 50%-70%, 50%-65%, or 60%-70%, or 65-70%,    or about 65%, or about 66%, or about 67%, or about 68%.

In some embodiments, the cleansing compositions of the presentdisclosure include a stabilizing amount of a surfactant system that ispreferably comprised of an anionic surfactant and a nonionic surfactant.In some embodiments, the surfactant system comprises about 10 wt % toabout 35 wt %, about 15 wt % to about 30 wt %, or about 17 wt % to about26 wt % of the composition.

Suitable anionic surfactants include, but are not limited to, thosesurface-active or detergent compounds that contain an organichydrophobic group containing generally 8 to 26 carbon atoms or generally10 to 18 carbon atoms in their molecular structure and at least onewater-solubilizing group selected from sulfonate, sulfate, andcarboxylate so as to form a water-soluble detergent. Usually, thehydrophobic group will comprise a C₈-C₂₂ alkyl, or acyl group. Suchsurfactants are employed in the form of water-soluble salts and thesalt-forming cation usually is selected from sodium, potassium,ammonium, magnesium and mono-, di- or tri-C₂-C₃ alkanolammonium, withthe sodium, magnesium and ammonium cations again being the usual oneschosen.

Some examples of suitable anionic surfactants include, but are notlimited to, the sodium, potassium, ammonium, and ethanolammonium saltsof linear C₈-C₁₈ alkyl ether sulfates, ether sulfates, and saltsthereof. Suitable anionic ether sulfates have the formula R(OC₂H₄)_(n)OSO₃M wherein n is 1 to 12, or 1 to 5, and R is an alkyl, alkylaryl,acyl, or alkenyl group having 8 to 18 carbon atoms, for example, analkyl group of C₁₂-C₁₄ or C₁₂-C₁₆, and M is a solubilizing cationselected from sodium, potassium, ammonium, magnesium and mono-, di- andtriethanol ammonium ions. Exemplary alkyl ether sulfates contain 12 to15 carbon atoms in the alkyl groups thereof, e.g., sodium laureth (2 EO)sulfate. Some preferred exemplary anionic surfactants that may be usedin the compositions of the present disclosure include sodium laurelether sulfate (SLES), sodium lauryl sulfate, and ammonium laurylsulfate.

Preferably, the present compositions comprise a single anionicsurfactant. In some embodiments, the anionic surfactant is present in anamount of about 0.01 wt % to about 30 wt %, about 5 wt % to about 20 wt%, about 10 wt % to about 25 wt %, about 10 wt % to about 20 wt %, about11 wt % to about 18 wt %, about 12 wt % to about 17 wt %, or about 12 wt%, or about 13 wt. %, or about 14 wt. %, or about 15 wt. %, or about 16wt %.

The composition also comprises a nonionic surfactant. Nonionicsurfactants that can be used in the compositions can broadly be definedas compounds produced by the condensation of alkylene oxide groups(hydrophilic in nature) with an organic hydrophobic compound which maybe aliphatic or alkyl-aromatic in nature. Examples of suitable nonionicsurfactants include poloxamers (sold under trade name PLURONIC®),polyoxyethylene, polyoxyethylene sorbitan esters (sold under trade nameTWEENS®), Polyoxyl 40 hydrogenated castor oil, fatty alcoholethoxylates, polyethylene oxide condensates of alkyl phenols, productsderived from the condensation of ethylene oxide with the reactionproduct of propylene oxide and ethylene diamine, ethylene oxidecondensates of aliphatic alcohols, alkyl polyglycosides (for example,fatty alcohol ethers of polyglycosides, such as fatty alcohol ethers ofpolyglucosides, e.g., decyl, lauryl, capryl, caprylyl, myristyl, stearyland other ethers of glucose and polyglucoside polymers, including mixedethers such as capryl/caprylyl (C8-10) glucoside, coco (C8-16)glucoside, and lauryl (C12-16) glucoside), long chain tertiary amineoxides, long chain tertiary phosphine oxides, long chain dialkylsulfoxides, and mixtures of such materials.

In some embodiments, the nonionic surfactant comprises amine oxides,fatty acid amides, ethoxylated fatty alcohols, block copolymers ofpolyethylene glycol and polypropylene glycol, glycerol alkyl esters,polyoxyethytene glycol octylphenol ethers, sorbitan alkyl esters,polyoxyethylene glycol sorbitan alkyl esters, and mixtures thereof.Examples of amine oxides include, but are not limited to,laurylamidopropyl dimethylamine oxide, myristylamidopropyl dimethylamineoxide, and mixtures thereof. Examples of fatty acid amides include, butare not limited to, cocomonoethanolatnide, lauramide monoethanolamide,cocodiethanolamide, and mixtures thereof. In certain embodiments, thenonionic surfactant is a combination of an amine oxide and a fatty acidamide. In certain embodiments, the amine oxide is a mixture oflaurylamidopropyl dimethylamine oxide and myristylamidopropyldimethylamine oxide. In certain embodiments, the nonionic surfactant isa combination of lauryl/myristylamidopropyl dimethylamine oxide andcocomonoethanolamide. In certain embodiments, the nonionic surfactant ispresent in an amount of about 0.1 to about 20 wt % of the composition.In other embodiments, the amount is about 0.1 to about 10, about 0.1 toabout 6.0, about 0.5 to about 10, about 0.5 to about 5, or about 0.5 toabout 3 wt %.

In some embodiments, the cleansing compositions of the presentdisclosure includes an acidic polymer. In some embodiments, the acidicpolymer is made of acrylate (interchangeably referred to herein asacrylic acid) homopolymers or co-polymers of a combination of acrylicacid derivatives. For example, the polymer may be a chain of one or moremonomers selected from acrylic acid, methacrylic acid, alkylmethacrylates, ethyl acrylate, methyl methacrylate, chloroethyl vinylether, butyl acrylate, 2-ethylhexyl acrylate, and salts and estersthereof. In various embodiments, the acrylate polymer may be crosslinkedwith an allyl ether pentaerythritol, an allyl ether of sucrose, an allylether of propylene; polyhaloalkanols such as 1,3-dichloroisopropanol,1,3-dibromoisopropanol; sulfonium zwitterions such as thetetrahydrothiophene adduct of novolac resins; haloepoxyalkanes such asepichlorohydrin, epibromohydrin, 2-methyl epichlorohydrin andepiiodohydrin; polyglycidyl ethers such as glycerine diglycidyl ether,ethylene glycol diglycidyl ether, propylene glycol diglycidyl ether,diethylene glycol diglycidyl ether; and the mixtures thereof. Forexample, the acidic polymer may be obtained as Accusol 445/445N/445NDsold by The DOW Chemical Company in Basking Ridge, N.J.

In other embodiments, the acidic polymer may include one or more carboxygroups, for example selected from one or more of synthetic anioniclinear polycarboxylates. The appropriate molecular weight will varydepending on the specific polymer, the degree of crosslinking orbranching, and the proportion of acidic functional groups, but ingeneral, the molecular weight is greater than 5000 g/mol. In variousembodiments, the acidic polymer could be in a linear or nonlinear (i.e.branched) form or a mixture of linear and branched forms, the backboneor side chains could contain various hydrophobic moieties such as methylmethacrylate monomers, alkane chains, etc., and/or as hydrophilicuncharged moieties such as PEG or PPG, as well as moieties bearingacidic functional groups. Examples of acidic polymers include syntheticanionic linear polycarboxylatesand can be selected from a variety ofanionic polymers backbones including vinyl, acrylic, maleic. Carboxylatemoieties along the polymer backbone can come from the monomersthemselves, such as in the case of acrylic acid, methacrylic acid, ormaleic acid, or can be generated from the hydrolysis of the polymer,such as in the case of poly-butyl acrylate. The acidic polymer can bemade up of copolymers or homopolymers of acidic functional monomers ormixtures thereof.

In some embodiments, “synthetic anionic linear polycarboxylate” refersto 1:4 to 4:1 copolymers of maleic anhydride or acid with anotherpolymerizable ethylenically unsaturated monomer, e.g., methyl vinylether (methoxyethylene), having a molecular weight (M.W.) of about30,000 to about 2,500,000; for example 1:4 to 4:1, e.g. about 1:1,copolymers of methyl vinyl ether/maleic anhydride, wherein the anhydrideis hydrolyzed following co-polymerization to provide the correspondingacid, having a molecular weight (M.W.) of about 30,000 to about1,000,000, e.g. about 300,000 to about 800,000, e.g., as sold under thetrade name GANTREZ®, e.g., GANTREZ® S-97 Pharmaceutical Grade (M.W. ca.700,000), available from Ashland Specialty Chemicals, Bound Brook, N.J.08805.

In various embodiments, the composition further includes a nonionicpolymer.

The nonionic polymer is a water soluble polymer which does not form anionic species at relevant pH, e.g., between pH 3 and 10, for example incertain embodiments selected from one or more poly(alkylene oxide)polymers, e.g., selected from polyethylene glycols (PEG), polypropyleneglycols (PPG), poloxamers (block co-polymers of PEG and PPG), randomcopolymers of PEG and PPG, and mixtures thereof. In some embodiments,the nonionic polymer has a molecular weight of at least 3000D, e.g., 6kDa to 250 kDa. The molecular weight may vary depending on theparticular type of polymer, the degree of branching, if any, and theconcentration used. Experiments with PEG having molecular weight between6 kDa and 35 kDa, for example, showed that at lower concentrations,e.g., for a 3% concentration in a particular combination with otheringredients, a higher molecular weight material, e.g. 35 kDa, was neededto form the biphasic system, but at formulations having higher levels ofPEG, a PEG having a lower molecular weight, e.g., 6 kDa could support abiphasic system. In particular embodiments, the nonionic polymercomprises a mixture of (i) polyethylene glycol (MW 5 kDa-35 kDa) and(ii) poloxamer (i.e., an ethylene oxide/propylene oxide blockcopolymer), e.g., poloxamer 407, which is a triblock copolymerconsisting of a central hydrophobic block of polypropylene glycolflanked by two hydrophilic blocks of polyethylene glycol, wherein theapproximate length of the two PEG blocks is about 101 repeat units whilethe approximate length of the propylene glycol block is about 56 repeatunits, available commercially for example as Pluronic F127 (BASF).

In some embodiments, the composition comprises at least one structuringagent. The structuring agent may be added to compositions in the form ofaqueous solutions, dispersions or emulsions. The structuring agentincreases the viscosity of the composition. In various embodiments, thestructuring agent is compatible with surfactant systems having bothcationic and nonionic surfactants. Examples of such agents includevarious acrylate based thickening agents, natural or synthetic gums,polysaccharides, and the like, including but not limited to those setforth below. In some preferred embodiments, the structuring agentcomprises polyacrylate-1 crosspolymer. Polyacrylate-1 crosspolymer issold under the tradename Carbopol© Aqua-CC from Lubrizol AdvancedMaterials, Inc. In one aspect, the structuring agent is a copolymer ofone or more C1-C5 alkyl esters of (meth)acrylic acid, C1-C4 dialkylaminoC1-C6 alkyl methacrylate, PEG/PPG-30/5 allyl ether, PEG 20-25 C10-C30alkyl ether methacrylate, hydroxy C2-C6 alkyl methacrylate cross-linkedwith ethylene glycol dimethacrylate.

In some embodiments, the compositions also comprise pH modifying agents,which may include acidifying agents to lower pH, basifying agents toraise pH and buffering agents to control pH within a desired range. Forexample, one or more compounds selected from acidifying, basifying andbuffering agents can be included to provide a pH of 2 to 10, or invarious illustrative embodiments 2 to 8, 3 to 9, 4 to 8, 5 to 7, 6 to10, 7 to 9, etc. In preferred embodiments, the pH is between about 1 to5, about 2 to 5, about 4 to 5, or about 4.2-4.8. Examples of pHmodifying agent include sodium chloride, HCl, phosphoric and sulfonicacids and carboxylic acids such as lactic acid and citric acid, acidsalts (e.g., monosodium citrate, disodium citrate, monosodium malate,etc.), alkali metal hydroxides such as sodium hydroxide and potassiumhydroxide, carbonates such as sodium carbonate, bicarbonates,sesquicarbonates, borates, silicates, phosphates (e.g., monosodiumphosphate, trisodium phosphate, pyrophosphate salts, etc.), imidazoleand the like. One or more pH modifying agents are optionally present ina total amount effective to maintain the composition in an acceptable pHrange.

In some embodiments, the personal care compositions of the presentdisclosure include a zwitterionic surfactant. Suitable zwitterionicsurfactants include betaines and sultaines. In some embodiments, thezwitterionic surfactant comprises a betaine having a quaternary ammoniumor phosphonium ion as the cationic group and a carboxylate group as theanionic group; for comprises a betaine having a quaternary ammonium ionas the cationic group and a carboxylate group as the anionic group(i.e., a quaternary ammonium carboxylate betaine). Typical alkyldimethylbetaines include, but are not limited to, decyl dimethyl betaine or2-(N-decyl-N, N-dimethylammonia)acetate, coco dimethyl betaine or2-(N-coco N, N-dimethylammonia)acetate, myristyl dimethyl betaine,palmityl dimethyl betaine, lauryl dimethyl betaine, cetyl dimethylbetaine, stearyl dimethyl betaine, etc. The amidobetaines similarlyinclude, but are not limited to, cocoamidoethylbetaine, cocoamidopropylbetaine and the like. The amidosulfobetaines include, but are notlimited to, cocoamidoethylsulfobetaine, cocoamidopropyl sulfobetaine andthe like.

In certain embodiments, the personal care composition is in the form ofa cleansing liquid. In some embodiments, the cleansing liquid includesone or more fatty acid soaps. The fatty acid soap can be any neutralizedfatty acid. Typical fatty acids used for soaps include, myristic acid,lauric acid, palmitic acid, stearic acids, and other fatty acids.Sources of fatty acids include coconut oil, palm oil, palm kernel oil,tallow, avocado, canola, corn, cottonseed, olive, hi-oleic sunflower,mid-oleic sunflower, sunflower, palm stearin, palm kernel olein,safflower, and babassu oils. The fatty acids can be neutralized with anybase to form a soap. Typical bases include, but are not limited to,sodium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide, and triethanolamine. In someembodiments, the soap is a potassium soap. In some embodiments, the soapis a soap of lauric acid, myristic acid, and optionally a mixture ofC12-18 fatty acids.

Illustrative examples of emulsifying agents include ethoxylatedcarboxylic acids, ethoxylated glycerides, glycol esters, monoglycerides,polyglyceryl esters, polyhydric alcohol esters and ethers,sorbitan/sorbitol esters, triesters of phosphoric acid, and ethoxylatedfatty alcohols. Examples includes glyceryl stearate, PEG-100 stearate,sorbitan stearate, PEG-40 stearate, polysorbate-20, polysorbate-60,polysorbate-80, and glyceryl oleate.

In some embodiments, personal care compositions of the presentdisclosure further comprise one or more ingredients selected fromcoloring agents, fragrances, moisturizing agents, and amino acids.

In some embodiments, personal care compositions of the presentdisclosure comprise at least one viscosity modifier, useful for exampleto inhibit settling or separation of ingredients or to promoteredispersibility upon agitation of a liquid composition. In someembodiments, the viscosity modifier is selected from a polymer and ahydrotrope. Optionally, the polymer comprises a block copolymer ofpropylene oxide and ethylene oxide, for example poloxamers. In someembodiments, the poloxamer comprises poloxamer 407, available under thetrade name Pluronic® F127 from BASF Corporation. One or more viscositymodifiers are optionally present in a total amount of 0.01 wt % to 10 wt%, for example 0.1 wt % to 5 wt % or about 0.01 wt % to about 1 wt % ofthe composition.

Optional ingredients can be present in the personal care composition.Non-limiting examples include skin conditioning agents, moisturizingagents, fragrance, dyes and pigments, titanium dioxide, chelating agentssuch as EDTA, sunscreen active ingredients such as butyl methoxybenzoylmethane; antiaging compounds such as alpha hydroxy acids, betahydroxy acids; preservatives such as a mixture of benzisothiazolinoneand methylisothiazolinone, glutaraldehyde, sodium bisulfite, hydantoins,imidazolines; polyols such as glycerol, sorbitol, propylene glycol andpolyethylene glycols; particulate matter such as silica, talc, orcalcium carbonate; antioxidants such as butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT);vitamins such as A, E, K and C; essential oils and extracts thereof suchas rosewood and jojoba; particulate matter such as polyethylene beads,jojoba beads, lufa, or oat flour; and mixtures of any of the foregoingcomponents.

In some embodiments, the personal care composition includes fragrance inan amount of about 0.001 wt % to about 2 wt % by weight of thecomposition.

In some embodiments, the personal care composition includes pearlizers,such as titanium dioxide, in an amount of about 0.01 wt % to 1 wt % byweight.

In some embodiments, the personal care composition includes one or morepigments, such as chromium oxide green, in an amount of about 0.001 wt %to about 1 wt % by weight.

In some embodiments, the personal care composition includes silica, orsilicon dioxide, incorporated at a level of from about 0.1 wt % to about15 wt %, preferable from about 1 wt % to about 10 wt %, more preferablyfrom about 3 wt % to about 7 wt %. Silica is available in a variety offorms, including but not limited to, crystalline, amorphous, fumed,precipitated, gel, and colloidal forms.

In some embodiments, the personal care composition includes inorganicsalts, brighteners, perfumes, colorants, sequestering agents,opacifiers, chelating agents (e.g., EDTA), humectants (e.g., polyols,for example, glycerol), or any combination thereof.

In some embodiments, the personal care composition includes free fattyacids to provide enhanced skin feel benefits, such as softer or smootherfeeling skin. Suitable free fatty acids include those derived fromtallow, coconut oil, palm oil and palm kernel oil.

In another embodiment, the composition of Composition 1, et seq. is apersonal care formulation, for example a cleanser such as a liquid handsoap formulation, body wash, or skin cleanser, or a home careformulation, e.g., a hard surface cleanser such as a dish soap,resulting in a concentration gradient of actives and to give a novelaesthetic. In one embodiment, for example, the composition is a hardsurface cleanser, e.g., an oil-free and alcohol-free cleanser, e.g., anantimicrobial, oil-free and alcohol-free cleanser.

Any of the compositions of Composition 1, et seq. are suitable for useas cleansers. Typically, skin cleansers will have higher levels ofsurfactant compared to compositions for oral care use, e.g., anionicsurfactants such as sodium laureth sulfate and/or sodium coceth sulfate,e.g., in some embodiments at levels of 5-30%. Dish liquids may have morepowerful surfactants, for example amine oxide surfactants, such aslauryl/myristrylamidopropyl dimethylamine oxide

In some embodiments, the personal care compositions of Composition 1, etseq. comprise an effective amount of a skin benefit agent, e.g., anantimicrobial agent, e.g., a cationic antimicrobial agent, amoisturizer, and/or a sunscreen. In some embodiments, the skin benefitagent is a cationic active agent, which may provide skin protectionbenefits, e.g., as moisturizers, and/or may be antimicrobial cationicactive agents, for example antimicrobial quaternary ammonium cations(e.g. benzalkonium chloride, cetyl trimethylammonium bromide orchloride, didecyldimethylammonium chloride, cetylpyridinium chloride,benzethonium chloride) and antimicrobial bisguanides (e.g.,chlorhexidine digluconate), and combinations thereof, or bisguanides(such as chlorhexidine digluconate), cationic amino acids (such asarginine), metal cations (such as zinc, calcium, or stannous ions), orcombinations thereof. Safe and antimicrobially effective levels ofcationic active agents a skin care formulation may be significantlyhigher than the orally acceptable levels for a mouthwash, e.g., by afactor of 10 to 20. For example, antimicrobially effective levels ofchlorhexidine in a skin cleanser would in some embodiments be 3-6%,e.g., about 4%. In some embodiments, the personal care compositions ofComposition 1, et seq. contain a skin benefit agent which is a sunscreenagent, e.g., p-aminobenzoic acid (PABA), octyldimethyl-PABA,phenylbenzimidazole sulfonic acid, 2-ethoxyethyl p-methoxycinnamate,benzophenone-8, benzophenone-3, homomethyl salicylate, meradimate,octocrylene, octinoxate, octisalate, sulisobenzone, triethanolaminesalicylate, avobenzone, ecamsule, titanium dioxide, zinc oxide, or insome embodiments a basic sunscreen agent, for example a triazole ortriazine sunscreen, e.g., bisoctrizolem, bisoctrizole, bemotrizinol,tris-biphenyl triazine, drometrizole trisiloxane, ethylhexyl triazone,and the like.

Further provided is a method (Method A) for cleaning and/or protectingthe skin comprising shaking the composition according to any ofComposition 1, et seq. and washing the skin therewith.

Further provided herein is Method A as follows:

-   A.1. Method A wherein the composition is any of Composition 1, et    seq., e.g., wherein the composition is a liquid hand soap, body    wash, make-up remover, or topical disinfectant.-   A.2. Method A or A.1 wherein the composition contains 5-35% of a    stabilizing surfactant system.-   A.3. Any of Methods A, et seq., wherein the composition further    comprises a cationic active agent.-   A.4. Any of Methods A, et seq., wherein the composition contains an    effective amount of an antimicrobial cationic active agent.-   A.5. Any of Methods A, et seq., wherein the composition contains an    effective amount of a skin-protective cationic active agent, for    example to provide a moisturizing and/or sunscreen benefit, or a    sunscreen agent.

Further provided is a method (Method B) for cleaning a hard surface,e.g., a dish, kitchenware, or household surfaces, comprising shaking thecomposition according to any of Composition 1, et seq. and washing thehard surface therewith.

Further provided herein is Method B as follows:

-   B.1. Method B wherein the composition is any of Composition 1, et    seq., e.g., wherein the composition is a dish soap or disinfectant.-   B.2. Any of Methods B, et seq., wherein the composition contains    5-35% of a stabilizing surfactant system.-   B.3. Any of Methods B, et seq., wherein the composition contains an    antimicrobially effective amount of a cationic active agent.-   B.4. Any of Methods B, et seq., wherein the method is for the    disinfection or disruption of biofilm on a hard surface.

The present disclosure further provides a method (Method C) of cleansingskin or a hard surface comprising the steps of providing a personal carecleansing composition as described above (e.g., any of Composition 1, etseq.); and applying an agitating force to the composition to to providea cleansing effect.

The present disclosure provides additional exemplary embodiments,including:

-   C.1. Method C, further comprising the step of agitating the    composition sufficiently to create a volume of foam.

Further provided are Compositions 1, et seq. for use in any of MethodsA, B or C.

EXAMPLES

Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure will be illustrated byreference to the following examples, which are included to exemplify,but not to limit the scope of the present disclosure.

In the examples and elsewhere in the description of the invention,chemical symbols and terminology have their usual and customarymeanings. Temperatures are in degrees Celsius unless otherwiseindicated. The amounts of the components are in weight percents based onthe standard described; if no other standard is described then the totalweight of the composition is to be inferred. Various names of chemicalcomponents include those listed in the CTFA International CosmeticIngredient Dictionary (Cosmetics, Toiletry and Fragrance Association,Inc., 7^(th) ed. 1997).

Example 1: Cleansing Composition

Experiments were carried out on dual phase compositions having twoclearly defined aqueous phases. Table 1 shows exemplary compositionsthat were used in the following experiments according to the presentdisclosure.

TABLE 1 Biphasic formulation Concentration Component (wt. %) Water q.s.Sodium Laureth Sulfate 10-20 Tetrasodium 0.01-0.1 N,N-bis(carboxymethyl)-L-glutamate Benzisothiazolinone/ 0.01-0.2 Methylisothiazolinone mixture Lauryl/Myristyl Amidopropyl  5-15 AmineOxide Sodium Bisulfite 0.001-0.1  Lactic Acid 0.01-0.1  Poloxamer 0.1-1 Glutaraldehyde (24% soln.) 0.001-0.1  Sodium chloride 0-2 Polyacrylicacid 10-20 Polyethylene Glycol 8000  1-10 Benzophenone-4  0-0.1Magnesium Sulfate Heptaydrate 0-2 Acticide LG  0-0.1 Colorants andfragrants 0.0001-0.1  

Example 2: Adjustment of Phase Separation

An experiment was carried out to evaluate the effect of a polyacrylicacid polymer, polyethylene glycol (8 kD) and sodium chloride in order tooptimize the dual phase dishwashing formula. Several compositions weremanufactured varying only the amounts of these three ingredients, andthe resulting height of the phases were measured. These materials wereevaluated on 2 levels in order to predict its effect. Polyacrylic acidwas varied in concentration between 3-7 wt. %, PEG was varied inconcentration between 3-7 wt. %, and sodium chloride was varied inconcentration between 0.5-3 wt. %. Table 2 displays the resultsobserved.

TABLE 2 Resulting phase height resulting from variance of certainingredients Poly acrylic BottomPhase Bottom PEG acid Sodium height PhaseComposition (wt. %) (wt. %) chloride (cm) Proportion 1 7 3 3 1.0  7.7% 23 7 0.5 2.2  17% 3 5 7 3 2.0 15.4% 4 5 5 1.75 2.0 15.4% 5 3 5 3 1.813.8% 6 7 5 0.5 1.8 13.8% 7 7 7 1.75 2.0 15.4% 8 3 3 1.75 0.5  3.8% 9 53 0.5 0.5  3.8%

As shown above in Table 2, the total active ingredient (i.e., theanionic and nonionic surfactant) was set at 14.1 wt. % with a ratiobetween anionic/non-ionic of 3.5:1. After evaluation, the results wereevaluated for the effect of each material on the height of the phases.It was observed that the bottom layer contained substantially all of thepolyacrylic acid, while the top layer contained substantially all of thepolyethylene glycol. The height of the bottom phase was measuredrelative to the overall height of the solution, which was 13 cm. Basedon these measurements, the percentage of the bottom layer was calculatedrelative to the total solution height.

Based on analysis with linear regression, this data shows that thepolyacrylic acid had the highest impact on the height of the phaseseparation. From this information, we surprisingly concluded that thepolyacrylic acid leads the amount of phase separation. Generally, themore polyacrylate present in the composition, the greater the height ofthe phase separation will be. It was further observed that the viscosityof the upper layer increases dramatically with the addition of sodiumchloride, which indicates that the surfactants typically migrate to theupper layer.

Without being bound to theory, it is believed that inorganic salts, suchas sodium salts or magnesium salts, interact with anionic surfactantsand affects the viscosity of systems in which they are contained. Thus,if the upper phase changes viscosity with addition of salts, it pointstoward the anionic surfactants being contained in the upper layer. Basedon this hypothesis, the composition was tested to determine thecomposition of both phases, and it was confirmed that the surfactantsare contained in the upper layer, as well PEG 8000 and sodiumpolyacrylate is contained in bottom layer.

Example 3: Enhanced Foaming Characteristics

A test composition and a control composition were created according tothe following formulations, which exhibited a 50%/50% phase ratio:

TABLE 3 Test Formulation and Control Formulation Test Control ComponentFormulation Formulation Water q.s. q.s. Sodium Laureth Sulfate 12.7 12.7Tetrasodium 0.9 0.9 N,N-bis(carboxymethyl)-L-glutamateBenzisothiazolinone/ 0.12 0.12 Methylisothiazolinone mixtureLauryl/Myristyl 7.7 7.7 Amidopropyl Amine Oxide Sodium Bisulfite 0.0150.015 Pulco 868 Mod 0.22 0.22 Lactic Acid 0.05 0.05 Poloxamer 0.1 0.1Glutaraldehyde (24% soln.) 0.03 0.03 Sodium chloride 0.8 0.8 Polyacrylicacid 0 16 Polyethylene Glycol 8000 0 5 Benzophenone-4 0.01 0.01Magnesium Sulfate Heptaydrate 1 1 Acticide LG 0.095 0.095 Colorants0.001 0.001

Foam boosting was measured using the Automated Miniplate Dishwashingtest, described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,556,509, which yielded the followingresults. Briefly, the test is used to determine the number oftheoretical plates that can be washed in a detergent solution until thefoam disappears. This test is used to demonstrate the improvement incleaning efficiency as gauged by foam volume and foam stability. In theautomatic miniplate dishwashing test, the foam is generated in adetergent solution by the action of an agitating brush. The foam iselectronically measured by reflectance of the solution surface as mixingsoil is added to the detergent solution at a steady rate. Thedisappearance of the foam determines the endpoint of the test, and thenumber of mini plates is then calculated based on foam duration and therate of soil addition.

The test was carried out using sodium polyacrylic acid at aconcentration of 16 wt. % and a binary system of surfactants (i.e.,sodium laureth sulfate and lauryl/myristyl amidopropyl amine oxide), theperformance was compared with a control formula without sodiumpolyacrylate.

TABLE 4 Foam test results Test Miniplates Run Composition Cleaned Test 1Control 15.88 Formulation with Sodium 24.46 Acrylate polymer Test 2Control 19.16 Formulation with Sodium 22.68 Acrylate polymer Test 3Control 16.43 Formulation with Sodium 26.47 Acrylate polymer

As shown, in each instance the test compositions containing the sodiumacrylate polymer had superior results in comparison with the controlcomposition. On average, the test formulation showed a 43% improvementin cleansing ability. Analysis of the results showed that thisdifference achieves statistical significance (p=0.016).

1. A cleansing composition comprising an aqueous solution of: an anionicpolymer; a nonionic polymer; and a phase-stabilizing amount ofsurfactants comprising a combination of at least one anionic surfactantand at least one nonionic surfactant, wherein the solution comprises twodistinct aqueous phases having different composition and density, thetwo distinct phases comprising substantially all of one of the anionicpolymer or the nonionic polymer.
 2. The cleansing composition accordingto claim 1, wherein the anionic surfactant comprises a hydrophobic groupthat is a C8-C22 alkyl or acyl and a water-solubilizing group selectedfrom sulfonate, sulfate, and carboxylate.
 3. The cleansing compositionaccording to claim 1, wherein the anionic surfactant is sodium laurelether sulfate, sodium lauryl sulfate, ammonium lauryl sulfate, a sodiumalkyl benzene sulfonate, or magnesium alkyl benzene sulfonate.
 4. Thecleansing composition according to claim 1, wherein the anionicsurfactant is sodium laurel ether sulfate.
 5. The cleansing compositionaccording to claim 1, wherein the nonionic surfactant comprises a C₈-C₂₂tertiary amine oxide or a fatty acid amide.
 6. The cleansing compositionaccording to claim 1, wherein the nonionic surfactant comprises at leastone of laurylamidopropyl amine oxide, myristylamidopropyl amine oxide,cocomonoethanolamide, or combinations thereof.
 7. The cleansingcomposition according to claim 1, wherein the nonionic surfactant is acombination of laurylamidopropyl amine oxide, myristylamidopropyl amineoxide.
 8. The cleansing composition according to claim 1, wherein theratio of anionic surfactant to nonionic surfactant is about 1:1 to about1:3.5.
 9. The cleansing composition according to claim 1, wherein theacidic polymer is selected from a polyacrylate made of homopolymers orco-polymers of a combination of acrylic acid derivatives (e.g., acrylicacid, methacrylic acid, ethyl acrylate, methyl methacrylate, chloroethylvinyl ether, butyl acrylate, 2-ethylhexyl acrylate, and salts and estersthereof) or a synthetic anionic linear polycarboxylate.
 10. Thecleansing composition according to claim 1, wherein the acidic polymeris a homopolymer of polyacrylic acid.
 11. The cleansing compositionaccording to claim 1, wherein the acidic polymer is present in an amountof about 5-25 wt. %, about 8-22 wt. %, about 10-20 wt. %, about 13-18wt. %, about 15-17 wt. %, or about 16 wt. % of the composition.
 12. Thecleansing composition according to claim 1, wherein the nonionic polymeris selected from one or more poly(alkylene oxide) polymers.
 13. Thecleansing composition according to claim 1, wherein the nonionic polymeris polyethylene glycol having a molecular weight of 5 kD to 10 kD (e.g.,8 kD).
 14. The cleansing composition according to claim 1, wherein thenonionic polymer is present in an amount of about 0.1-10 wt. %, 2-8 wt.%, 4-6 wt. %, or about 5 wt. % of the composition.
 15. The cleansingcomposition according to claim 1, wherein the composition is a cosmeticproduct, cosmetic-removal product, deodorant or antiperspirant product,hair care product, shaving product (e.g., creams, gels and foams), sunbathing product (e.g., sunscreen compositions and tanning compositions),insect repellent product, skin care product or personal cleansingproduct (e.g., liquid soaps, foams, gels, and lotions), a liquid handsoap, shower gel, body wash, bath foam, shampoo, liquid face soap, dishsoap, body wash, dermal cream, or liquid laundry detergent, or liquiddetergent for cleaning hard surfaces.
 16. The cleansing compositionaccording to claim 1, wherein the composition is a cream, lotion or gelfor the skin (e.g., face, hands, feet, etc.).
 17. The cleansingcomposition according to claim 1, wherein the composition is a liquidhand soap, dish soap, liquid laundry detergent, or liquid detergent forcleaning hard surfaces.
 18. The cleansing composition according to claim1, comprising: a) an acidic polymer, for example a polymer selected fromone or more of (a) acrylate homopolymers or co-polymers of a combinationof acrylic acid derivatives (e.g., acrylic acid, methacrylic acid, ethylacrylate, methyl methacrylate, chloroethyl vinyl ether, butyl acrylate,2-ethylhexyl acrylate, and salts and esters thereof), and (b) syntheticanionic linear polycarboxylates, such as 1:4 to 4:1 copolymers of maleicanhydride or acid with another polymerizable ethylenically unsaturatedmonomer, e.g., co-polymers of methyl vinyl ether/maleic anhydride,wherein some or all of the anhydride moieties are hydrolyzed to providefree carboxyl groups; b) a nonionic polymer; for example selected fromone or more poly(alkylene oxide) polymers, e.g., selected frompolyethylene glycols, polypropylene glycols, poloxamers and mixturesthereof; e.g., wherein the orally acceptable nonionic polymer has amolecular weight of at least 3000D, e.g., 6 kD to 250 kD, e.g., 8 kD; c)a phase-stabilizing amount of surfactants comprising a combination of atleast one anionic surfactant and at least one nonionic surfactant,wherein the anionic surfactant comprises a hydrophobic group that is aC8-C22 alkyl or acyl and a water-solubilizing group selected fromsulfonate, sulfate, and carboxylate (e.g., alkyl sulfates, e.g., sodiumlaurel ether sulfate (SLES), sodium lauryl sulfate, and ammonium laurylsulfate), and wherein the nonionic surfactant comprises one or morealiphatic compounds (e.g., amine oxides, e.g. laurylamidopropyldimethylamine oxide, myristylamidopropyl dimethylamine oxide, andmixtures thereof), wherein the solution comprises two distinct aqueousphases having different composition and density, the two distinct phasescomprising substantially all of one of the anionic polymer or thenonionic polymer.
 19. A method of cleansing and/or protecting the skin,or cleaning a hard surface, e.g., a dish, kitchenware, or householdsurfaces, comprising shaking the cleansing composition according toclaim 1 and washing the skin or the hard surface therewith.
 20. Themethod according to claim 19, further comprising the step of agitatingthe cleansing composition sufficiently to create a volume of foam. 21.(canceled)
 22. (canceled)
 23. (canceled)